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Marouch Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
4905 Santa Monica BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90029
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 662-9325
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
128 reviews for Marouch Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Can I say this is the best Hummus in Los Angeles."
(in 44 reviews)
"And the pita bread was warm and yummy."
(in 8 reviews)
"Highly recommend this place, even if it's in a mini-mall."
(in 6 reviews)
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128 reviews in English
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Review from kimchi l.
Los Angeles, CA
12/22/2011
There really isn't anything left for me to say. Just try it!
I came here after one of my favorite people told me it was some of the best food she's had in awhile. Of course I had to check it out since I love derishus food.
We ordered the veggie plate as an appetizer, haloumi cheese since I was starving and needed instant gratification, lentil soup, and the yogurt kabob (beef). The owner is very friendly and the staff that night were very sweet.
My friends and I were really hungry when we got there but once we started eating, all conversation came to a halt and we didn't talk to each other until our plates were cleared. lol They probably thought we were hippos. -
Review from Matthew M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/11/2011
there is definitely a reason why Jonathon Gold has this restaurant in his 99 essential restaurants. A bunch of my friends usually get together about once a month and try a new cuisine in the LA area. this month was Armenian and Marouch was everything and more !!! Hummus was solid. Baba ghanoush had such a beautiful strong bite to it. the only appetizer which was a disappointment were the dolmathes. They were extremely mushy inside and much too bitter. The basket of pita bread that comes out is so fresh which makes it perfect for soaking up all of the spreads on the table. Main dishes are usually around $16, but the amount of food on the plate is astonishing. My lamb kabob plate was packed which perfectly cooked chunks of lamb and a killer amount of rice. Don't be deceived by the location, this is a hidden gem tucked into a small strip mall on Santa Monica Blvd.
Suggestion: bring a good bottle of red wine to compliment the meats. corkage fee is only $11 -
Review from Grace S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Located in a strip joint next to a 7-11 and laundromat. Not exactly the nicest part of town, but interior is much nicer and you kind of forget you're in a strip joint. Great Middle Eastern food. Chicken Yogurt Kabob was good, Beef Shawarma was good, Lamb Kabob was dry. All entrees come on a bed of rice. Lentil soup is also good, nice to dip your pita in.
Waiters were all very nice and patient with us as we were a group of 6 and had many requests. -
Review from C F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2012
This is the best middle-eastern food I've ever had. Order the Mezze platters to share and you won't be disappointed. They have the usual hummus, babagaboush, etc. which is all terrific, but they have other amazing salads and dips that I've never had elsewhere. Don't miss the Armenian Sausage mezze.
It's often empty because it's in a remote location, but the food and service is fantastic. -
Review from karim a.
North Hollywood, CA
11/9/2011
I went here a few times, once with my vegeterian friends. the food here is very good. im from the middle so i know what the real deal is and this place is the real deal.
the area its in aint the best but no biggie :) -
Review from Prashanth R.
Irvine, CA
10/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
No wonder this place has more than a hundred reviews. Glad I followed Yelp's advice by going to this place.
It could totally use a different surrounding. Like Clarice C says, it's definitely a hidden gem.
The waiter was very knowledgeable and helped us through the menu as soon as he handed it over to us. Explained the veggie options and the meat options really well. This place has REALLY good falafels and the vine leaf dish that I had was delish.
The pita bread was fresh and the hummus was so smooth, we can have each by themselves.
Overall a good place and deserves to be revisited. -
Review from Jina J.
Pasadena, CA
10/7/2011
Came here for lunch on a Friday around 1:30 and I was surprised to find it relatively empty. Yay for me!
Based on the reviews, it seems like it's the general norm for the owner to come around, and he did just that. He was so nice and helpful and walked us through the menu.
The portions are pretty generous here so the three of us shared an appetizer of hummus and falafel ($10), a large chicken schwarma ($12), and a beef kebab plate ($11). Everything was REALLY good although the falafel was a little salty, and the chicken schwarma was good but it lacked in comparison to the AWESOME beef kebabs. The meat was really flavorful and tender, and was served with a refreshing yogurt sauce.
When we asked for the check, the owner seemed disappointed we weren't getting dessert. When he brought over the check, he also brought 3 baklavas for us to sample! I'm usually turned off by baklava because the ones I've tried are too sweet, but this was not that sweet, and really nutty and buttery.
Would definitely come back again. -
Review from Clarice C.
West Covina, CA
8/11/2011
This place is like a beautiful hidden gem in an old, small strip mall. We came here for lunch and upon entering, we were immediately seated and menus handed out! I rarely eat Middle Eastern food so I was overwhelmed by all the choices! I'm not sure if he was the owner (but I'm going to assume he is), but the man who helped serve us through our meal suggested we try the Meza for Four and the Mixed Grill and reassured that it would be more than enough to fill our stomachs. And so we went with that.
The variety of mezzes was incredible! I enjoyed everything that was served and I especially liked the kibbeh nayeh and the stuffed grape leaves. All meats on the Mixed Grill plate were also very delicious, my personal favorite being the lamb since it's already my favorite kind of meat. What was also nice was that the owner gave us a description of the ingredients in each plate he served us!
We wrapped our meal with dessert and picked the baklawa based on the owner's recommendation. I've had some in the past and I've found them overwhelmingly sweet. These baklawa were sweet but not too much and you could also taste the buttery-ness of the thin pastry. A great finish to an excellent meal!
Marouch Restaurant definitely leans on the pricier side, but it's so worth it. By the end of the meal, I felt full for hours.
On a side note, I ordered a cup of Lebanese coffee with a little sugar. I generally don't drink coffee with just sugar but this was so good! Still bitter but not too strong and the smell was really fragrant. -
Review from Jeffrey C.
Los Angeles, CA
12/11/2011
My partner and I really like this place..we've been at least 20 times and have settled in to our favorites: fool madama (best I've had), fatoush, and w share a main, usually the kabobs with yogurt. Mmmm. We love Bob, who is usually our waiter (we ask for him). Pleasant, sweet..Last week my partner broke his almost empty wine glass, and Bob have him a new, full one gratis.
Decent atmosphere, one negative. I wish they would stop using Windex on the table tops - I hate the smell. -
Review from Foodie G.
Sherman Oaks, CA
12/5/2011
I read about this place on Jonathan Gold's Essential 99 list. Hole in the wall Middle Eastern - I had to give it a try.
The result... The food is good, but it's grossly overpriced, however. Prices were 30-40% higher than similar restaurants throughout LA (and remember, you're not paying for location here).
Significantly better options are Mantee in Studio City or Sunin in Westwood. -
Review from David a.
Los Angeles, CA
6/29/2011
Marouch has maintained consistency more than economy over the years, but it remains one of the best Lebanese places around my house. I have never eaten here when the owner was not on the premises to make sure that things run smoothly.
Usually, I will begin with an Almaza or two, and have some of the olives and pickled turnips. The meza for two here is overpriced at $40.00, but is quite a bit of food, and each dish is executed well by the chef. Decent olive oil garnishes the hummus and the labeneh which is made in small batches throughout the day to ensure freshness. The tabbouleh and fried kibbeh taste the same that they did the first time I ate here over a decade ago. This is how tabbouleh is supposed to taste, and is the kind with just a small amount of couscous and tons of freshly cut parsley.
The soujouk sauteed with tomatoes and fried cheese turnovers complete the dinner, with the sausage being my very favorite. Almost certainly, you want the baba ganoush on your table as well.
There are other dishes like kebabs that I prefer to order at Carousel, but are competent and delicious here as well. I have some friends that are part of that landed aristocracy of Lebanese families in LA that swear by this place and always have all of their parties catered by this place and have sampled a great swath of the menu. It is most impressive, even in a town full of Middle Eastern and Indo-European immigrants and their superb restaurants. -
Review from Grilled S.
Brooklyn, NY
11/15/2011
Best middle eastern food! Warm and friendly owner. Trust his recommendations. Amazing babaganoush!
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Review from Saarah S.
9/21/2011
Hummus and mixed grill is the way to go at this place. Although you pretty much can't go wrong with everything you try here. This is as close to authentic lebanese cuisine that you will get. The meats are tender and full of flavor....the breads warm and soft....and the hummus....the best. This is also a great place to get falafel if you like it. Must try this place.
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Review from Steven H.
Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2011
I got the vegetarian plate and this has got to be the best middle eastern food I've ever eaten. It's amazing! The baba ghanoush is perfect and smokey. The hummus is delicious and has a small bit of olive oil on top. The falafel was perfectly cooked and crispy. And I love those little peppers they include on the side for a bit of kick. Wonderful service.
I also got a drink called the Jallab. I highly recommend it, although it may not be everybody's thing. It has raisins, pinenuts, honey, rose water, and grape juice. Quite good! -
Review from Joe L.
North Hollywood, CA
9/25/2011
We had a great vegetarian meal here before heading to the Fountain Theater. Very tasty Lentil soup, hummus, babaganoush, and falafel. Service was good except for the waiter who had to spray windex in our direction when cleaning the table next to us. I guess that is why most restaurants use table clothes or paper.
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Review from Courtney F.
Los Angeles, CA
2/24/2011
fresh, delicious & authentic. My only qualm with Marouch is that It's a bit pricey. The roasted chicken, very similar to Zankou runs about $16, which is a little much, and and if you plan to drink, you're going to spend some dough. Also, we were bummed that they didn't have kibbeh, even though it was on the menu, but I did get to try some dishes that I hadn't before. It's a good place to explore out of your comfort zone, because it's fresh.
The service is great, the restaurant itself is very enjoyable.
I would definitely go back for a special occasion. -
Review from Ken N.
Encino, CA
10/8/2010
Marouch restaurant is a gem in this town that really does not have too many Lebanese options outside of Glendale.
The Hummus is by far the finest. There are people who've said that it was under seasoned or not good, but they just don't know what Lebanese Hummus is suppose to taste like.
The falafel is like no other in the city. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside; you have to love the dichotomy in the texture.
My favorite entree is the Yogurt Chicken Kabob -- the combintation of the yogurt w/the chicken along side the bread that is prepared w/a touch of yogurt and onions is just a thing of beauty.
Once you get past the decor and the fact that it's in a strip mall next to 7/11, you realize that it is a thing of beauty. -
Review from Pramod P.
Los Angeles, CA
7/21/2011
I had lunch there for the first time with a business partner the other day. This place is off the chains good. The owner is hands on and on site, and quite a friendly fellow. I had the veggie combo plate, which had two grape leaves, Baba Ghanouj, Hummus, Tabouleh and the Mahamourah. The Mahamourah was a substitute for the falafel.
Tasted incredibly Fresh and incredibly homemade. I have had the same items from other places, but this place has my favorite so far.
I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Krystal v.
Los Angeles, CA
9/22/2010 2 photos
It was my cousin's birthday so we went here to celebrate it. She chose it cause she saw good reviews on here. When we got there I was like wtf, next to a 7-11? Really? Hahahah
We got this meat platter thing on rice (I don't remember the exact name) and it was pretty good. Nothing special, though. I've had better Lebanese food. I liked the rice though. I'm Filipino so I eat a lot of rice.
The hummus was my favorite part of the meal. I'm just crazy about hummus. And the pita bread was warm and yummy. :)
She got a complimentary dessert for her birthday and they blasted this happy birthday song. It was really nice!
But this complimentary dessert.. we might be too American but it kind of tasted like soap. it was this white jelly thing with what looked like pistachios on it.
Kind of underwhelming considering all the rave reviews, but I wouldn't mind coming back here. Good food, just not amazing. -
Review from David K.
Glendale, CA
10/12/2010
I'm completely biased because I've been a regular customer for 15 years and it's just one of my all-time favorites...I've gone there for birthday parties, dates, and had them cater a take out dinner for a night at the Bowl...
We recently had our wedding rehearsal dinner here and - any guest will attest, especially those who have been coming here for years - they knocked it out of the park...I mean, I've had all of those Mezza dishes for years...and now that I live in the 'dale, I've sampled more and more middle eastern food...but everything was so tasty and fresh that night....and the service was perfect...
If you're taking your lady out for a date in Hollywood and you don't have tons of $$$, go here...get the Fattouch...get the Fool Mudammas but most importantly, get the Muhammara which is a walnut, garlic, pomegranate spread that's more fun to eat than steak tartar....and somehow more rich...
If I ever move from LA, this is one of the few spots I'd come back to visit...it's really no wonder they've been in business forever... -
Review from Rich H.
Los Angeles, CA
This place is absolutely amazing. Best middle eastern food in Los Angeles hands down. The hummus is great and the tahini is out if this world! The owner is just about always there and works his ass off to make sure everything is great. Try the beef shawarma here. You'll be glad you did. For real!
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Review from Tia E.
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
8/23/2011
Great little spot, food was delicious. Hummus has to be the best in L.A.
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Review from Justin S.
8/30/2010
Marouch is my favorite Lebanese restaurant anywhere. It seems literally like an oasis in the middle of a really sketchy neighborhood.
The only word I can use to describe the falafel is "divine". No other falafel I've had has ever come close. Every meal I've had there has been mouth-wateringly delicious and satisfying. I can't wait to go back -
Review from Cindy C.
Los Angeles, CA
5/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
I loved this place. Yeah, it's in the middle of a ghetto area, but it's so worth it. Inside it's nice, and a lot smaller than the website lets you know. The thing I noticed was that everything had a sweet undertone. I got the falafel, but it was almost desert-like. I wasn't a fan of the sauce.
I went only with my boyfriend, but I'd definitely recommend going with a bunch of people who aren't cheap so you can try everything--I do wish I could try everything.
I got the Shawarma Combination ($17.99) which includes beef, chicken, and the lamb gyros--soo good. I was so happy that I got this one, because the chicken really impressed me--I can always tell a good place is the chicken is impressive, because I never get the chicken. The beef was good as well, and I especially loved the lamb gyros--I'd never had them this way, so I was really amused by the thin slices of meat. So good! I wrapped a few of them in one of the pitas which by the way were deliciously yummy! :) The chicken was so juicy and tender, and not at all boring. The plates are not huge, but they are a good portion--more than satisfying, I think, even for big eaters. I also really liked the rice, it was such perfection. Yum, yum, yum.
My boyfriend got the Kabab Combination--he always gets Kabab anything. His was good, basically my same meats, but in Kabab-form. He devoured everything, and also loved the rice. Rice, so good. We love rice.
Everything worked perfectly and the flavors worked real well together. You can tell they prepare everything fresh when you order it, and I didn't try the complimentary appetizer-vegetable thing, but it looked fresh and crisp.
I had the Jallab, per recommendation. And it was really good, and unlike anything else I'd ever tried...but I'd reserve it for dessert, to be shared with someone else. I just couldn't stomach it with my meal, it smelled just like perfume (not in a bad way), and I can't drink perfume...it was just too strong. Delicious, but I can't do it with the meal. Still, I'd recommend just trying it. I'm amazed at how that combination worked so good. So, I definitely recommend to try it.
The waiter/server was actually really good, and really nice--like the kind of place where you feel like family and your grandpa is speaking to you. We were impressed at how he remembered our order without writing anything down, he was good. I swear I think he was even the one who cooked and prepared our food. Impressed, I like that kind of service. Overall, I loved this place...and I can't wait to experiment with the menu, I want to try the quail. Defo. recommend, and worth spending money on.
We went at night and it was nice...I think it's a good place for day too.
The next morning I ate my leftovers, and it all felt like a dream. LOVE this place. & did I mention that I think it's priced well and really fair? I'd dare to say that it's even a bit cheap! :) -
Review from Adrian B.
Cos Cob, CT
Updated - 5/31/2011
Back again to Marouch , still good service but a bit slow this time though - 45 minutes to wait for our main .
Listed in: On the left coast ...LA
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/17/2009
Incredible friendly service and delicious high quality Lebanese food. We started with the falafel ,… Read more »
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Review from Lucia D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2011
Really really fantastic. I've eaten Lebanese in New York and London (unfortunately not in Lebanon...yet) and this is simply the best. Great service, fantastic food -- very fresh.
Yes, it's in a sketchy strip mall, but when it comes to the taste of my food, I don't care about decor one bit. -
Review from George T.
Los Angeles, CA
10/6/2007 ROTD 12/24/2007
Sitting in a tiny strip mall at Santa Monica and Edgemont, possibly "ground zero" for Little Armenia, is one of the most respected & established Lebanese-Armenian restaurants in LA. Generally regarded as having the best mezza or Middle Eastern appetizers in Los Angeles, Marouch is worth many visits. The owners are a couple, so this is a true mom & pop place . . . Husband is a Lebanese Maronite Christian and the Mrs. is Armenian from Beirut.
If you go to Marouch, definitely lean toward the mezza. A good order for a group of 4-6 is the "Meza for Six" for $75.00, but you can also order off menu . . .a few "must haves":
-fattoush salad: chunky cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, toasted pita bread, sumac spice, in a dressing of olive oil, lemon and salt . . . simple and delicious
-tabouli: the queen of all Middle Eastern salads . . . finely chopped parsley, fine cracked wheat (bulghur), chopped tomatoes and onions with the same dressing . . . ask for some lettuce for this and eat it with lettuce cups (unfortunately Marouch stubbornly refuses to use Romaine lettuce with their tabouli and you'll get some wedges of Iceberg)
- hommus: the most popular of Middle Eastern sides . . . boiled chick peas, blended with tahini (ground sesame paste) flavored with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and sometimes a secret spice or two
@ Marouch, you can get the hommus topped in any number of ways: Fool Maddamas (cooked fava beans); Falafel; chopped beef with butter sauteed pine nuts
-kebbeh nayeh (kibbe nyee) usually this is raw meat from the leg of lamb, but here it is raw tender veal with cracked wheat, some red pepper or paprika, topped with olive oil
. . . a neat thing to do to with kibbe is to make it "village style" or like "chi-kufteh", tell the wife, she's Armenian and knows this . . . just ask them to not smear it on the plate, but rather rolled in pieces, then ask for some fried ground beef, onions, pine nuts from the fried kibbe filling; they'll bring you a plate of the beef, onions, pine nuts and you flatten the raw veal and dip into the cooked beef mixture and enjoy (remember, use your hands!!)
*Unfortunately Marouch no longer maintains a liquor license and thus you cannot properly enjoy the kibbe with a glass of Arak (the ouzo-like Lebanese liquor that turns milky white when diluted with ice/water, that MUST be served with this dish . . . a true dilemma, I wonder if one can sneak in their own in a flask and just ask for some ice water? hint?) Try the al-Maza Lebanese beer
-Mouhammara: this is a very popular dish in Syria . . . red pepper paste, walnuts, pine nuts, bread crumbs, pomegranate syrup (dark & sour) . . . its a tad spicy and great to start with to whet the appetite.
-Samak-Bezry: fried smelt w/ lemon and tahini sauce . . . drizzle lemon juice and and tuck in some pita bread, for a sesame bite, add the tahini sauce too; eat the whole thing in one bite (tiny edible bones)
Bastourma: an Armenian dish, similar to prosciutto, but more pungent and with a spicy finish that stays with you
Sugok (soujoukh): a very spicy Armenian sausage that begs for a glass of arak (remember the flask and be subtle about it)
There are grilled entrees here, but Marouch is known for mezza not grilled meats. If you want good grilled shish kebab, try "Carousel" on Hollywood & Normandie. If you're done with all that mezza and still hungry, try:
-Lamb Chops
-Kafta Kabab (lule kebab) this is with ground meat, choose beef or chicken
-Yogurt Kabab (yoghurt kebab) grilled, skewered beef, lamb or chicken topped with yoghurt and pine nuts
Definitely try strong Middle Eastern coffee for dessert along with some "Asha-al-Saraya" this is a house specialty here . . . "ashta" real cream, topped with fresh dough, crushed pistachio nuts, and honey flavored with rose water, mmmmmm.
On a hot afternoon, opt for a bowl of jajekh and some pita bread . . . jajekh is basically fresh yoghurt with chopped cucumbers, chopped mint, touch of garlic
Breakfast? yes, they eat breakfast in Beirut . . . try some
-Fool Mudammas, truly a breakfast dish, cooked fava beans, topped with olive oil and a bit of lemon juice, often topped with cooked chick peas and served with chopped tomatoes, onions, mint . . . good with some hot dark sweet tea
-Labneh . . . this is also more a breakfast dish, basically it is strained yoghurt (strained through cheese cloth until solid) its sort of like sour cream, but not as watery and a different taste, some call it "kefir cheese" . . . spread this on pita bread and add some tomatoes, cucumber and olives . . . its a meal
-ask for a plate of olives and cheese, they have it
If hung over, stop in for Middle Eastern coffee with "Knafeh" . . . hot, fresh white cheese, topped with semolina wheat, honey/rose water . . . if it works outside Beirut nightclubs letting out at 6:00 am, it can work here tooListed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Lolo M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/28/2009
The shit. Trust me, I'm an Arab.
The owner's wife is in the kitchen making your food. Do you know how lucky that makes you if you're used to buying your hummus at Trader Joe's? You'll never make that mistake again. At least you better not.
Get the Mahallabiyah for dessert. I'm sure of two things: you've never had anything like this before and I spelled that completely wrong. -
Review from Connie C.
7/15/2008 13 photos
My friend & I began to wonder if this potentially yummy food was worth potentially getting shot. & since we did end up eating here, clearly it was!
My friend's hand was shaking & my stummy was aching from hunger.
After much deliberation, we ordered the Yogurt Kebab (chicken) - $15.99 because you just can't ignore something labelled "****chef's special"! That'd just be rude. We also got a small of the Vegetarian Combination (Hommos, baba ghanouge, tabbouleh, falafel and grape leaves) - $9.99 and a medium of the Falafel and Hommos B-tehiney (Ground garbanzo and fava beans seasoned and fried, served with lettuce, tomato and sesame sauce) - $7.99.
Warm pitas came quickly with a plate of pickled beets, olives, green onions, mint, and peppers. Not sure of the correct combo, we just ate everything.
Then, the mezes came to the shaking hands & achy stummy's delight! The falafels were fresh & light & crispy tender. Not stale and frozenish, like others I've had before. The hummus (or hommos as stated by the menu) was smooth and perfectly seasoned. The tahini was a bit salty, but a "nice compliment to the falafel." The baba ghanouge tasted of pure smokiness & kind of addictive. The grape leaves were not as oily as I've had in the past and the filling had tomatoes, so it was a bit sweeter. Tabbouleh tasted nice and fresh.
Then, the yogurt kebab came. Half were grilled white chicken & half were ground chicken kebabs. There were dabs of rich yogurty-ness & the whole thing was sprinkled with pine nuts & sat atop a mountain of fluffy rice (that rice & noodle combo that rice-a-roni tries to mimic).
Bottom line is...if you need a solution to shaking hands and achy stummies & are potentially bullet proof (jk!), then head over for smoky baba ghanouge & crispy tender falafel!
(Look at my photos for full fledged visual experience.) -
Review from Min T.
Los Angeles, CA
2/28/2008
It's been quite a few years since I've been to this restaurant and I decided it was time to get some really good grub. The first time I came here, it was amazing and that meal has stayed with me through the years. Though, in retrospect, it's possibly because I really enjoyed my food more than my date's obnoxious body odor.
This past Tuesday, I went again to test my memory of that meal. We started with the kebbeh and the hummus with fool maddamas. And then we ordered our meals. I think the waiter thought we were crazy as there was just two of us.
The kebbeh is a huge platter of raw meat which we tried our best to finish. I really enjoyed the rich flavor of the oil topping the cracked bulgar creation. We ate about 3/4 of this dish.
I hadn't had fool before and so it was pretty interesting but I think next time, I rather just have more hummus.
The beets weren't pickled enough for me, the olives were so-so (but I love olives and will even eat terrible black olives) and the onions really added another depth of flavor to the kebbeh.
I had ordered the combination kabob dinner. I thought the lamb was the best but the ground meat and chicken ones were just okay. The garlic paste really helped add to the flavors though. I would have liked a larger roasted tomato for my rice but what I did get was pretty good.
Overall, the service was pretty good and friendly since there were were only two tables including ours occupied. Our waiter spent a lot of time talking to the other table so it was a bit difficult to get our check. The waiter was fascinated by the necklace I was wearing and told me it reminded him of Assyrian art as he's Assyrian.
Because it was also so empty, the parking lot was as well. So bonus points for parking!
Would I go back? Yes, they do have a yelp sticker on their door! But I rather check out Carousel again in Glendale or the one in Hollywood.Listed in: Damn Tasty Eats, Along the Silk Road
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Review from Joe D.
Los Angeles, CA
8/26/2008
My brother and I have been coming here since we were kids.
My Father and his side of the family have been coming here since there was a location in Beirut, Lebanon.
I remember when this place looked like the type of place you'd find a strip mall. I remember their brief encounter with "restaurant row" on La Cienega. I remember when they started getting upscale. The owner still sits in the same chair and looks almost exactly the same as I remember him.
I always suggest just getting a Meza and having a little bit of everything. You will usually end up taking a lot home no matter what. There are plenty of veggie options as well as meat. I like the bourekas, the kebbeh, the falafel, the hummus etc.
Hell, I like everything from the pickles and olives at the beginning of the meal to the rice pudding at the end.
This is Comfort Food-Middle Eastern StyleListed in: My OLD Neighborhood
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Review from Narumi O.
Los Angeles, CA
3/30/2009 1 Check-in Here
Love Lebanese food!
The restaurant is in the sketchy neighborhood, but it's all right!
We had Mouhumara and homemade Lebneh as appetizers and shawarma combo for main.
For the desert, we had Mahalabieh. This desert quickly became one of my favorite things in the whole world.
Also love Jallab!
I just love the smell of rose water. -
Review from Sara F.
CA
9/30/2009
If you follow these instructions, you will rate this place 5-stars too:
"Go with a big group of adventurous meat-eaters who aren't watching every dollar that comes out of their wallet. "
It's not expensive, but the most exciting experiences here happen when you treat it as a "family-style" restaurant. Order the sample platters and share everything. The waitstaff becomes almost PART of the family - that relative that won't let you get away without a 4th helping of Shawarma. The food just keeps rolling out until you can't feel your legs. If you like something, they will bring you more. You don't even have to ask.
The problem being: if you're vegetarian, this place is tough on you. You never know what anything on the table IS. But I guess I've been there, and just to witness the fun that everyone else is having... it's actually all worth it. You can still stuff your face with some Falafel and wash it down with a couple of beers, and sit snacking on hummus for the rest of the night. It's still fun.Listed in: The 2009 Jonathan Gold…
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Review from Deborah K.
Los Angeles, CA
3/10/2008
Meh.
I grew up on food like this. Eggplant? Ful? Hummous? I'm picky, I guess.
I can make better Ful. It was ok. but not outstanding. Just ok. Like the kind my mediocre cook of a mother could make when she's just banging stuff together in a kitchen.
Kebbeh was gummy and sort of peculiar. It was missing brightness and bite.
Dyed black olives are disgusting. Ok...I love pickled beets.
Cold overcooked eggplant with tasteless meat is NOT a "special" It is just sloppy.
Oh, and please stop talking loudly and offensively about The French to the ONE other table in the restaurant, please, long enough to give this French girl the fucking check? -
Review from Eric M.
West Hollywood, CA
3/8/2008
Went for the first time last night-- wow, amazing Lebanese food. The falafel was a knockout, in particular, better than any I've had elsewhere.
Knocking 'em down to 4 stars because the service was slow (but very friendly when they made it over).
Oh, and they serve frog legs... FROG LEGS!Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Z Z.
Los Angeles, CA
10/1/2007
Really great food! Paul and I went here this past Friday evening. When we were driving there we were slightly nervous about the area especially the tiny dilapidated strip mall where Marouch is. Let's just say we were happy to find a parking spot right in the front. When we were walking in we noticed the cheery "people love us on yelp" sticker on the door, I loved spotting those!
The interior was warm and inviting and we immediately noticed that the wait staff was really friendly. We were greeted with a huge smile and told to sit anywhere we want.
We both loved our food. I was excited when they brought out the warm bread but it wasn't anything to rave about. Granted it was warm bread so that alone is cool but the bread tasted like it was bought at the grocery store. I ordered the hummus and falafel plate. It was really great. The hummus was really thick and flavorful, and they gave me quite a large portion of it. The falafel was nice and crispy, it tasted quite fresh and it wasn't greasy at all. The rice that they give you is good, it could have stood to have a few spices in it though. The portions were so big though, I brought most of my meal home.
Paul got the kabobs and he really liked what he got too. Everything was just so tasty and fresh.
One huge problem, the staff is so slow. Seriously. We waited about twenty minutes to get our check after they came and cleared our table. Granted, it was quite busy and there only appeared to be two people working the floor but, seriously, twenty minutes? We actually had to ask for our check twice and it still took forever. They were quite apologetic about the check so we won't hold it against them!
We will totally go back there. Really great food!Listed in: The falafel list
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Review from Dakota A.
Los Angeles, CA
6/3/2008
First time I ate here I told everyone...plus I went 3 times that week! This place is great.
I love the fool mudammas, good and garlicky perfect entrance to the entrees. The kebab's are amazing, so flavorful and cooked to perfection. I usually get a glass of wine. It is just house wine but for 5 bucks who cares. Coffee and lemonade are good too. I might add, that I was told to eat here by a guy from Lebanon....he would know.
They have daily specials. Get there early, cuz sometimes they are out of the special. I would love it if they warmed the bread...it always just takes things up a notch.
Service is always served with a smile. Explanations are good, recommendations always dead on. You always feel welcome here.
I always find a spot to park in the lot. -
Review from Richard H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2009
Decent food but pricey...
My girlfriend and I told our server we were vegetarian, so he recommended we share the mezza for two, after noting that he'd substitute the kebbeh (lamb) for vegetarian items (translation: hummus, olives, tabouli, and a couple of small cheese appetizers.) $40 later, we were still famished. Would it kill them to throw in some falafel and rice?
Meanwhile, Tony Shalhoub (apparently he's a regular) is at the bar watching the Laker game and Flea walks in for some take-out. Flea meet Monk; the two start chatting and wouldn't you know it, they're old pals! Bizarrely entertaining? Sure, but not as much as Flea checking out my girlfriend on his way out the door. Hollyweird.
Anyway, if you're looking for gourmet Lebanese food, Carousel runs circles around this place. -
Review from Jennifer N.
Washington, DC
3/12/2010
Whatt the Yelpers say is true: don't be fooled by Marouch's appearances -- the 7-11 and attached laundromat might scare you off, but venture into Marouch nonetheless. The downside: Marouch doesn't offer much in the way of ambience either (unless you really love trompe l'oeil. If you love trompe l'oeil, Marouch is the place for you).
We were most impressed by the appetizers - the delicious fatoush and the creamy, excellent hummus. We were a little less impressed by the chicken kebab, which was cooked well, but seemed to lack the flavor that I would expect from Lebanese food. All of this was saved by the very sweet waiter, who was eager to tell us about Los Angeles' cultural offerings, and to offer us driving directions to far off corners of the city.
All this to say, the place is worth a try, but it's definitely short on ambience. -
Review from emily H.
Los Angeles, CA
11/19/2007
A-mazing!
We ordered the vegetarian mezze for 4- yum! Do not neglect to try the baba ganoush- so smoky and delightful. My friend Michelle, who typically doesn't even like middle-eastern food, is as obsessed as I am... tabbouli, hoummus, dolmas, fried feta delights, spicy walnut dip, everything except the falafel. it was far too dry, and overcooked.
I will be back!
